The Male Cardigan and America's New Counter Culture

A curious and dedicated reader recently emailed me with this request- "Can you blog about the (male) Cardigan. I have never really understood it. Does it signify a classy man? understated homosexual? PBR loving hipster? Kayne West? WHAT DOES IT MEAN!?" It's taken me some time to ponder this important ethical fashion question.

So, neighbors, let's first get a little background. When we think of the cardigan, we all first think of Mr. Rodger's, whose show first appeared on the air in 1968- and how he started each episode with the signature "putting on the cardigan and shoes" diddy. His show educated children, or in my case, effectively put me to sleep. Either way, the man owned the cardigan, so some respect is due, but he was not the first. Accordingly to The Article Company (Link), cardigans were created as far back as the 1700's, not that this should be surprising, since it's a rather useful article of clothing. Since then different cardigans styles have been used to define different types of people- including the preppy golfer, the old man, the professor, the high school athlete from the 1960's, the "dork", and now the "Hipster". What is a hipster? Well, I think the best definitions are from TIME magazine and Urbandictionary.com.

"Hipsters are the friends who sneer when you cop to liking Coldplay. They're the people who wear t-shirts silk-screened with quotes from movies you've never heard of and the only ones in America who still think Pabst Blue Ribbon is a good beer. They sport cowboy hats and berets and think Kanye West stole their sunglasses. Everything about them is exactingly constructed to give off the vibe that they just don't care...Take your grandmother's sweater and Bob Dylan's Wayfarers, add jean shorts, Converse All-Stars and a can of Pabst and bam — hipster."

— Time, July 2009

Further research into hipsterdom, enhances the definition:

 "Hipsters are a subculture of men and women typically in their 20's and 30's that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter. The greatest concentrations of hipsters can be found living in the Williamsburg, Wicker Park, and Mission District neighborhoods of major cosmopolitan centers such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco respectively. Although "hipsterism" is really a state of mind,it is also often intertwined with distinct fashion sensibilities. Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers, and are often be seen wearing vintage and thrift store inspired fashions, tight-fitting jeans, old-school sneakers, and sometimes thick rimmed glasses. Both hipster men and women sport similar androgynous hair styles that include combinations of messy shag cuts and asymmetric side-swept bangs" 

www.urbandictionary.com

Hipster

H

So essentially, hipsters are just the same "new decade, different counter culture" bullshit with a slightly different fashion sense and a desire to take what was once nerdy and old and make it cool again. Like them or not, I think any counter culture brings something new to the table and encourages a different way of independent thinking, but, usually, when it's taken to the extreme, it just looks ridiculous and contrived. Either way, the current popularity of the cardigan is absolutely a result of this new cultures impact on fashion trends. 

So what if I don't want to look like a toolish hipster but I still really like the cardigan? Personally, I view the cardigan as a very malleable article of clothing, and the type of cardigan and way it is worn creates the complete picture of whatever you are trying to portray. I think a cardigan on a younger guy gives off the vibe that they are intelligent and have more artistic and literary interests, but it certainly is not all encompassing. Famous men from Justin Timberlake, to Kanye West, to David Beckham have all rocked the cardigan, so you don't just have to be a hipster.

So here are my top ten Do's and Don'ts for Cardigans

1. If you are a leaner muscle kind of guy, do invest in a cardigan that is simple and fits your body without being skin tight

Urban Outfitters Cardigan

2. PLEASE DO NOT WEAR MALE PASHMINA/SCARVES- This really bothers me

www.latfh.com

3. Don't pair it with glasses you don't actually need that are you too large for your face, unless you want to be called a hipster. A thicker pair of glasses that look a little sophisticated dorky chic is okay, but not this, it's way too contrived (and ugly, to be honest).

4.  WEAR A SHIRT UNDERNEATH. New addendum- ladies prefer some manly rugged details underneath (like a flannel or checked shirt)

Less manly

HOT... it also probably helps that they aren't bad looking

5. If you want to button it up all the way, make sure it's not skin tight- ESPECIALLY if you are more athletic/built

6. Some detail is fine, but don't go for "girly details"- below is a definite NO

7. A more fitted jeans on guys can look good, BUT DON'T WEAR JEANS THAT WILL REDUCE YOUR SPERM COUNT, EVER, and especially not with the cardigan. For the sake of your future children, and my eyes. 

8. Don't you DARE, EVER pair it with a mustache. Looking like a pedophile is never in fashion. 

9. Male Tank tops are never acceptable, first of all, and definitely not when paired with a cardigan either.

10. Don't wear a cardigan if you are a d-bag, trust me, it won't help your image. And DEFINITELY don't pair it with a Justin Bieber haircut- I don't care how strong the temptation is.